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Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy said Friday that it struck a Togo-flagged oil tanker attempting what it described as an “illegal” passage through the Strait of Hormuz, causing a fire and forcing the vessel to stop, Sepah News reported.
The tanker, identified as the Trend, was hit Thursday night, according to a statement from the IRGC Navy.
Rear Adm. Ali Ozmaei said Iran continued to maintain control over the strategic waterway and warned that vessels attempting unauthorized passage would face destruction.
“Last night, the offending tanker Trend, flying the flag of Togo, attempted to illegally pass through the Strait of Hormuz at the instigation and deception of the U.S. military,” Ozmaei said. “It was hit and stopped after a fire broke out on it.”
The IRGC Navy said it would not allow what it described as aggressors to pass through the strait.
“The IRGC Navy once again warns that illegal passage through the Strait of Hormuz will have no outcome other than the destruction of the offending vessel,” Ozmaei said.
The statement also praised Iranians for what it described as their “epic presence on the field” for 200 consecutive nights.
Iran did not provide further details on the tanker’s condition, crew or cargo in the information released.
Iran halted passage through the Strait of Hormuz after U.S.-Israeli attacks on Feb. 28 triggered the current war and began targeting vessels attempting to cross without authorization.
Passage resumed after Iran and the U.S. signed a memorandum of understanding on June 17.
Iran later closed the strait again on July 12 after fighting resumed on July 8 amid disagreements over implementation of the memorandum.
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